Sport

SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Everyone's a winner

SUPERMARINE boss Dave Webb believes the recruitment of Chris Smith from Swindon Town is a mutually beneficial arrangement for both sides.

The right-back, who turns 22 today, has arrived at the Division One South & West club on a month's loan and will go straight into the squad for tomorrow's league clash with Cinderford.

Smith earned a professional deal at Swindon after triumphing in the Samsung Win a Pro Contract competition back in February, but has so far only made one appearance for the Robins.

The Advertiser understands he was offered to Conference South Salisbury before Supermarine, but the Whites turned down the chance to bring in the defender.

“I'm glad to get him in, it's a move that came about due to the relationship we've got with Swindon Town,” said Webb.

“He played against Purton (in last week's friendly) and has trained with us, and it's just a one-month deal initially. “He hasn't had any game time in the first team this season so he obviously needs some minutes.

“His ambition would be to break into the Swindon Town first team and start playing games, so it helps us both in that respect.”

Marine are down to just 14 first-team players including Smith for the visit of Cinderford tomorrow.

Captain Dave Bampton, Danny Allen and Dan Wallington are all suspended and Matty Horsell is on holiday, while Tom Cole is preparing to go travelling.

Cole is available if the squad is stretched further but Webb does not expect the centre-back to feature for some time.

“We had a conversation and he said he needed to get things sorted and that he couldn't give the commitment,” revealed Webb.

“He's there if we need him but I don't expect him to play until he is back in four months.”

Marine defeated Hellenic League New College 5-2 on Tuesday but they have not had a competitive game in a fortnight.

Elsewhere in the division tomorrow, Cirencester welcome fellow play-off rivals Hungerford as they go in search of their first league win in three weeks.

In the Southern Premier, new Chippenham stopper Ben John is preparing for his first start in Bluebirds colours after Conor Thompson agreed a deal to join League Two Torquay.

Thompson, 17, announced via Twitter on Wednesday evening that he had signed for the Gulls managed by former Swindon Town midfielder Martin Ling.

And that appears to have left the door open for John to make his debut against Arlesey at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Saturday sees the return of Non-League Day for a third successive year.

The day has been chosen as no Premier League or Championship games are taking place.

Many clubs have already announced cut-price tickets, community days, groundhops and other ways of sharing in the spirit.

Non-League Day was established as an opportunity for clubs to showcase the vital role they play in the local community.